Naturalist & Bird Guide
Ankush Thakur
A Himalayan bird guide, naturalist, & wildlife photographer
A Himalayan naturalist and birding guide dedicated to helping visitors experience the rich birdlife and wildlife of the Western Himalayas through immersive and meaningful nature experiences. Whether it is a beginner discovering birds for the first time or an experienced birder or photographer, I aim to create experiences that are both enjoyable and deeply informative.
My Story
A Journey That Began With One Bird
I am a Himalayan naturalist, birding guide, and wildlife photographer based in Himachal Pradesh, with a deep passion for the birds and wildlife of the Western Himalayas. My journey into birding began in 2012, when I photographed my first bird — the vibrant Verditer Flycatcher. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with birds and nature, and since then I have spent countless hours exploring the diverse habitats of the Himalayas.
Over the years, I have spent extensive time in forests, mountain valleys, and wetlands, observing birds in their natural environments to better understand their behaviour, habitats, and seasonal movements. These field experiences have helped me develop a strong understanding of Himalayan birdlife and the ecosystems they inhabit.
I aim to create experiences that are both enjoyable and informative for every guest.
I regularly conduct guided birdwatching walks and personalized bird and nature tours around the Dharamshala, Kangra region, and Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. These experiences are designed for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers, offering an opportunity not only to observe birds but also to understand their behaviour, ecology, and the natural landscapes they depend on. The Dharamshala region offers an excellent opportunity to observe bird species typical of the Western Himalayas across forested landscapes and mountain habitats. In contrast, Pong is a designated wetland and a Ramsar Site, well known for its rich diversity of waterbirds, especially during the winter season when large numbers of migratory species visit the area.
In addition to local experiences, I organize and lead extended birding tours across Himachal Pradesh, covering a wide range of habitats from temperate forests and river valleys to high-altitude cold desert landscapes. These tours often take place in regions such as Lahaul, Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Chamba, Sirmaur and Kangra, which are known for their unique Himalayan bird diversity.
Alongside birding tours, I lead specialized wildlife expeditions in the higher Himalayas, including Himalayan Brown Bear expeditions in Lahaul and Snow Leopard tracking expeditions in Spiti. These journeys offer a rare opportunity to explore remote landscapes and observe some of the most iconic wildlife of the Himalayas.
I also collaborate with the Forest Department in bird surveys and biodiversity documentation, contributing to the monitoring and recording of bird species in the region. This involvement allows me to stay closely connected with ongoing conservation efforts and field-based knowledge.
Before focusing fully on wildlife guiding, I built a professional career in the tourism industry, working with leading travel organizations where I managed international travel operations and wildlife tours for global guests. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Airlines, Tourism & Hospitality Management, which helps me combine strong hospitality skills with my work as a naturalist.
For me, birding is not just about spotting species, but about understanding nature and sharing that experience with others. Through my work, I aim to help visitors connect with the landscapes, birdlife, and wildlife of the Himalayas in a meaningful way.
Based in
Himachal Pradesh, India
Languages
English, Hindi
Speciality
Birds & Himalayan Wildlife
Since
2012
What I Guide
From relaxed birdwatching walks to rare high-altitude wildlife expeditions — each experience is designed around field knowledge, patience, and a genuine passion for nature.
Guided Birdwatching Walks
Relaxed and interpretive walks suitable for both beginners and experienced birders — exploring the rich birdlife around Dharamshala, Kangra Valley, and Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. These walks focus on understanding bird behaviour, calls, and habitats, not just spotting species.
Personalized Bird & Nature Tours
Tailor-made one-on-one or small group experiences based on guest interests — whether it is birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying nature at a comfortable pace.
Himalayan Bird Photography Tours
Photography-focused birding tours designed around the best locations, light conditions, and bird activity — helping guests capture natural and behaviour-based images.
High-Altitude Birding Expeditions
Multi-day birding journeys into regions like Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, and Lahaul — covering cold desert species and unique high-altitude birdlife of the Himalayas.
Himalayan Brown Bear Expeditions
Rare wildlife experiences in Lahaul — focused on tracking and observing the elusive Himalayan Brown Bear in its natural habitat.
Snow Leopard Expeditions
Specialized expeditions in Spiti Valley focused on tracking the iconic Snow Leopard — one of the most elusive predators of the high Himalayas.
Himachal Pradesh & Beyond
Operating across the diverse landscapes of Himachal Pradesh — from the subtropical forests of Kangra Valley to the high-altitude cold deserts of the Trans-Himalaya.
Dharamshala & Kangra Valley • Lahaul & Spiti • Kinnaur • Chamba • Kullu Valley • Sirmour
Himachal Pradesh, India
A Decade in the Field
First Bird — The Verditer Flycatcher
My journey into birding began when I photographed my first bird — the vibrant Verditer Flycatcher. That single moment sparked a lifelong fascination with birds and the natural world.
Deep Field Immersion
Began spending extensive time in forests, mountain valleys, and wetlands of Himachal Pradesh — observing birds in their natural environments to understand behaviour, habitats, and seasonal movements.
Guiding & Forest Collaboration
Started conducting guided birdwatching walks and nature tours around the Dharamshala and Kangra region. Also began collaborating with the Forest Department in bird surveys and biodiversity documentation.
Himalayan Expeditions
Expanded into longer birding tours covering Lahaul, Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra — diverse habitats from temperate forests to high-altitude cold desert landscapes.
Snow Leopard & Brown Bear Expeditions
Launched specialized wildlife expeditions: Himalayan Brown Bear expeditions in Lahaul and Snow Leopard tracking expeditions in Spiti — among the rarest wildlife encounters in the Himalayas.
Tourism Career & Conservation Work
Combining natural history expertise with a professional background in international travel operations, continuing to contribute to ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts in the region.
Knowledge. Passion. Conservation.
Deep Himalayan Knowledge
Over a decade of field experience in Himachal's diverse habitats — from subtropical foothills to high-altitude cold deserts above 4,000m.
Photography-Led Vision
Trained wildlife photographer who understands light, behaviour, and timing. Every experience is curated with a photographer's eye.
Conservation & Documentation
Active collaborator with the Forest Department on bird surveys and biodiversity recording — contributing to Himalayan wildlife monitoring.
Professional Tourism Background
Bachelor's in Airlines, Tourism & Hospitality Management combined with hands-on experience managing international wildlife tours.
Plan Your Himalayan Adventure
Whether you're a first-time birdwatcher or chasing a Snow Leopard in Spiti — get in touch and let's design your perfect Himalayan experience.